Beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas

ABSTRACT

The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/973,782 filed Dec. 20, 2010, which is a continuation of and claimsthe benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/170,396filed Jul. 9, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,645, both of which arehereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhancedqualities such as flavor and aroma and method of making same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many beverages have a distinct taste and aroma that is difficult toduplicate in a more convenient form. One example of such a beverage iscoffee. With regular coffee, water is boiled in a coffee pot in advance,and ground roasted coffee beans are put directly in contact with boilingwater (the standard amount is 10 g of ground roasted coffee beans per100 ml of boiling water) and are boiled in boiling water to effectextraction or are similarly extracted by using a percolator or the like.The obtained extract contains caffeine, tannic acid, saccharides, fats,proteins and various aromatic components and it has a fragrance inherentto coffee and a peculiar complicated flavor inclusive of a bitter taste,an astringent taste and an acid taste.

When roasted coffee beans are ground and then allowed to stand in air,they are readily oxidized which degrades the fragrance and flavors, andwhen tepid water is used for extraction, the contact time for extractionof roasted coffee beans is usually prolonged. Furthermore, if theboiling time is too long or the extract is allowed to stand for a longtime, the fragrance and flavor are degraded. Accordingly, even in caseof regular coffee, the method of making coffee is difficult, and it isvery difficult to obtain coffee rich in flavor and fragrance.

Coffee extract concentrates and coffee extract powders have heretoforebeen manufactured on an industrial scale, and instant coffee beverageswhich can instantly be drunk by dissolving them in hot water or coldwater have been prepared and marketed. Ordinarily, these instant coffeebeverages are prepared according to a process comprising charging groundroasted coffee beans in an extraction tank, extracting the beans withhot water or boiling water, and subjecting the extract to dryingtreatments such as spray drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying. Instantcoffee beverages prepared according to such conventional processescontain components which cannot ordinarily be drunk, though the amountsof these components differ to some extent according to the extractionconditions like the extraction temperature and time, the concentrationconditions and the drying conditions.

Many aromas and flavors associated with coffee are very delicate andcomplex. With conventional soluble coffee, the delicate coffee flavorsand aromas are often degraded or lost during processing andmanufacturing methods. Coffee aroma is known to be very unstable. Ascoffee aroma degrades, it generates unpleasant and non-coffee-like notesthat are undesirable. This degradation substantially reduces theperceived quality of the product. For this reason, special attentionmust be paid to the preparation and storage of flavoring components suchas coffee aroma so that desirable aroma components are enhanced orundesirable components are reduced or eliminated.

Furthermore, since the extract is exposed to high temperatures for arelatively long period of time during the preparation, the flavor andfragrance are degraded by cooking, evaporation and oxidativedecomposition of aromatic components, and the delicate aroma inherent tocoffee is lost. The conventional product usually comes to have anexcessive scorching taste. In short, the obtained beverage is far fromregular coffee in both the flavor and fragrance. The soluble coffee ofthe present embodiments overcome these problems in the prior art as wellas provide additional advantages.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to a soluble coffee product, comprising: a drycoffee extract component; and a pulverized coffee component, wherein thepulverized coffee component has not been extracted, and wherein thepulverized coffee component is added to the dry coffee extract componentafter the dry coffee extract is dried.

In some embodiments, the pulverized coffee component is added to the drycoffee extract component both before and after the dry coffee extract isdried.

In some embodiments, the dry coffee extract component comprises fromabout 70% to about 90% of the soluble coffee product and, wherein theground coffee component comprises from about 10% to about 30% of thesoluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the dry coffee extract component comprises fromabout 70% to about 99.9% of the soluble coffee product and, wherein theground coffee component comprises from about 0.1% to about 30% of thesoluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the pulverized coffee component has a mean particlesize of about 350 microns or less. In some embodiments, the pulverizedcoffee component has a median particle size of about 350 microns orless.

Some embodiments further comprise an additive selected from the groupconsisting of coffee oils, non-coffee oils, non-coffee aromas, andcoffee aromas.

Some embodiments further comprise at least one selected from the groupconsisting of coffee extract, concentrated coffee, dried coffee, coffeeoils, coffee aromas (distillates), flavor powders, flavor oils, spices,ground or pulverized cocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans,vitamins, antioxidants, nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil,an omega-6 oil, an omega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, abetacarotene, resveratrol, a vegetable extract, a dry green coffeeextract, a wet green coffee extract and an herbal extract.

Some embodiments relate to a method of making a soluble coffee product,comprising: pulverizing coffee beans to form a first pulverized coffeeproduct, grinding or pulverizing coffee beans to form a second ground orpulverized coffee product, extracting the second ground or pulverizedcoffee product to form an extracted coffee product, combining the firstpulverized coffee product with the extracted coffee product to form afirst coffee blend, drying the first coffee blend to form a first driedcoffee blend, combining the first pulverized coffee product with thefirst dried coffee blend to form the soluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the coffee is pre-frozen before being pulverized.

In some embodiments, the coffee is not pre-frozen before beingpulverized, further comprising the step of refrigerating the grindingand pulverizing machinery.

In some embodiments, the coffee is pre-frozen, further comprising thestep of refrigerating the grinding and pulverizing machinery.

Some embodiments further comprise the step of adding to the first coffeeblend at least one selected from the group consisting of coffee extract,concentrated coffee, dried coffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas(distillates), flavor powders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverizedcocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants,nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, anomega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a betacarotene,resveratrol, a vegetable extract, dry green coffee extract, wet greencoffee extract and an herbal extract.

In some embodiments, the grinding or pulverizing is carried out at atemperature of from about 20° C. to about 50° C.

Some embodiments further comprise the step of refrigerating grinding andpulverizing machinery to a temperature of about −5° C. or less.

Some embodiments relate to a method of making a soluble coffee product,comprising: grinding or pulverizing coffee beans to form a first groundor pulverized coffee product, grinding or pulverizing coffee beans toform a second ground or pulverized coffee product, pulverizing coffeebeans to form a third pulverized coffee product, extracting the firstground or pulverized coffee product and separating the first ground orpulverized coffee product into a coffee flavor component and a coffeearoma component, extracting the second ground or pulverized coffeeproduct to form a first extracted coffee product, combining the coffeearoma component with the extracted coffee product to form a first coffeeblend, combining the first coffee blend with the third pulverized coffeeproduct to form a second coffee blend, drying the second coffee blend toform a first dried coffee blend, combining the third pulverized coffeewith the first dried coffee blend to form the soluble coffee.

In some embodiments, the coffee is pre-frozen before the pulverizing.

In some embodiments, the coffee is not pre-frozen before thepulverizing, further comprising the step of refrigerating the grindingand pulverizing machinery.

Some embodiments further comprise the step of adding to the first coffeeblend at least one selected from the group consisting of coffee extract,concentrated coffee, dried coffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas(distillates), flavor powders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverizedcocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants,nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, anomega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a betacarotene,resveratrol, a vegetable extract, dry green coffee extract, wet greencoffee extract and an herbal extract.

In some embodiments, the pulverizing and grinding is carried out at atemperature of from about 20° C. to about 50° C.

In some embodiments, the pulverizing and grinding is carried out at atemperature of less than about 1° C.

In some embodiments, the temperature of the equipment and coffee productin each step is about −5° C. or less.

Some embodiments relate to a soluble coffee product prepared by a methodcomprising: pulverizing coffee beans to form a first pulverized coffeeproduct grinding or pulverizing coffee beans to form a second ground orpulverized coffee product, extracting the second ground or pulverizedcoffee product to form an extracted coffee product, combining the firstpulverized coffee product with the extracted coffee product to form afirst coffee blend, drying the first coffee blend to form a first driedcoffee blend, combining the first pulverized coffee product with thefirst dried coffee blend to form the soluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the dry coffee extract component comprises fromabout 70% to about 90% of the soluble coffee product and, wherein theground coffee component comprises from about 10% to about 30% of thesoluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the dry coffee extract component comprises fromabout 70% to about 99.9% of the soluble coffee product and, wherein theground coffee component comprises from about 0.1% to about 30% of thesoluble coffee product.

In some embodiments, the ground coffee component has a mean particlesize of about 350 microns or less. In some embodiments, the pulverizedcoffee component has a median particle size of about 350 microns orless.

Some embodiments further comprise at least one selected from the groupconsisting of coffee oils, non-coffee oils, non-coffee aromas, andcoffee aromas.

Some embodiments further comprise at least one additive selected fromthe group consisting of coffee extract, concentrated coffee, driedcoffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas (distillates), flavor powders, flavoroils, spices, ground or pulverized cocoa beans, ground or pulverizedvanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants, nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, anomega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, an omega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene,selenium, a beta carotene, resveratrol, a vegetable extract, dry greencoffee extract, wet green coffee extract and an herbal extract.

Some embodiments relate to a method of making a soluble coffee product,comprising: grinding or pulverizing coffee beans to form a first groundor pulverized coffee product, grinding or pulverizing coffee beans toform a second ground or pulverized coffee product, pulverizing coffeebeans to form a third pulverized coffee product, extracting the firstground or pulverized coffee product and separating the first ground orpulverized coffee product into at least a first extracted component anda extracted second component, extracting the second ground or pulverizedcoffee product to form a first extracted coffee product, combining thecoffee aroma component with the extracted coffee product to form a firstcoffee blend, combining the first coffee blend with the third pulverizedcoffee product to form a second coffee blend, drying the second coffeeblend to form a first dried coffee blend, combining the third pulverizedcoffee with the first dried coffee blend to form the soluble coffee.

In some embodiments, the first extracted component is a flavor componentand the second extracted component is an aroma component.

In some embodiments, the coffee is pre-frozen before the pulverizing.

In some embodiments, the coffee is not pre-frozen before thepulverizing, further comprising the step of refrigerating the grindingand pulverizing machinery.

Some embodiments further comprise the step of adding to the first coffeeblend at least one selected from the group consisting of coffee extract,concentrated coffee, dried coffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas(distillates), flavor powders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverizedcocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants,nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, anomega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a betacarotene,resveratrol, a vegetable extract, dry green coffee extract, wet greencoffee extract and an herbal extract.

In some embodiments, the pulverizing and grinding is carried out at atemperature of from about 20° C. to about 50° C.

In some embodiments, the pulverizing and grinding is carried out at atemperature of less than about 1° C.

In some embodiments, the temperature of the equipment and coffee productin each step is about −5° C. or less.

Some embodiments further comprise the step of adding the first extractedcomponent or the second extracted component to the first dried coffeeblend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating an overview of oneembodiment of a method of making a coffee beverage with enhanced flavorand aroma.

FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating an overview of oneembodiment of a method making a coffee beverage with enhanced flavor andaroma.

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an overview of oneembodiment of a method of pulverizing a raw material in a refrigeratedenvironment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use one or more of the present embodiments. The generalprinciples described herein may be applied to embodiments andapplications other than those detailed below without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore the present embodimentsare not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown, butare to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures disclosed or suggested herein.

Coffee and other products subjected to processing such as that necessaryto make an instant form of the product go through flavor and aromachanges. These changes come from the altering of the initial bondedstructures of the compounds within the products. With coffee, any kindof processing can alter the bonded structures of the compounds found inunprocessed coffee beans. Some embodiments relate to a method of addingor restoring the flavor and aroma associated with an unprocessed foodproduct to a processed or instant version of the product. In someembodiments, the product is coffee. Some embodiments relate to methodsinvolving pulverization of, for example, roasted coffee beans, fresh tealeaves, coco beans or other food ingredients as a mean of adding orrestoring freshness, flavor and aroma of, for example, soluble coffee,teas, chocolates, etc. Some embodiments also allow for the introductionof different and unique flavors and aromas into food products. Someembodiments allow for the introduction of supplements to food products.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to solublecoffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improved taste andaroma. Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment, two streams of roasted whole coffee beans are prepared andtreated. In the first stream, roasted whole bean coffee beans arepulverized to form pulverized coffee. In some embodiments, thepulverized coffee has a particle size of less than about 350 microns indiameter. In some embodiments, the pulverized coffee component has amedian particle size of about 350 microns or less. In the second stream,roasted whole bean coffee beans are ground or pulverized and extractedto produce a wet coffee extract. A portion of the pulverized coffee fromthe first stream is added to the wet coffee extract of the second streamto form Blend A.

In the embodiments described in FIG. 1, the combination of pulverizedroasted whole bean coffee beans from the first stream with the extractedground or pulverized whole bean coffee of the second stream at this wetstage of the process adds complexity, including a more authentic coffeeflavor and aroma, to the soluble coffee. Blend A is then dried in adrying process (e.g., freeze-dried, hot air dried, or any other dryingprocess). Dried blend A is then combined with at least one additionalcomponent to form blend B, which, in this embodiment, is the bulksoluble coffee product. Such components can include, for example,pulverized coffee from the first stream, coffee extract, concentratedcoffee, dried coffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas, distillates, flavorpowders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverized cocoa beans, groundor pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants, nutraceuticals,dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, an omega-9 oil, aflavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a betacarotene, resveratrol, a vegetableextract and an herbal extract etc.. In certain embodiments the driedblend A is combined with pulverized coffee from the first stream to formblend B.

In some embodiments, the dry addition of pulverized coffee to dry coffeeextract adds aroma, flavor complexity and body to the finished bulkproduct. The addition of pulverized coffee can be accomplished by one ormore of many different methods, e.g., centrifugal equipment, lightningmixer, ribbon blender, PK blender, sonic methods, etc. In someembodiments, other compounds may be added during the process, includingnon-coffee oils, non-coffee aromas, coffee aromas, etc. In someembodiments, pulverized coffee can be encapsulated with carbohydrates,soy products, dairy ingredients or other agents. One advantage of theencapsulation is to protect against degradation from environmentalfactors.

Coffee aromas are the volatile components of coffee that produce thecharacteristic fragrance of coffee. In some embodiments, the coffeearoma can be provided to the final beverage product in the form of ahighly aromatized coffee concentrate. The aromatized coffee concentrateis prepared by adding coffee aroma to a coffee concentrate. Methods ofpreparing coffee concentrates are well known to one of skill in the art.

In some embodiments, coffee aroma is in the form of natural coffee aromacomponents that are collected during the preparation of soluble coffeepowder. In some embodiments, the natural coffee aroma includes highlyvolatile aroma components. Highly volatile aroma components are thosewhich condense at a temperature below about 0° C. To recover highlyvolatile aroma components, volatile aroma components may be flushed fromthe coffee during processing using an inert carrier gas such asnitrogen. The aroma-laden carrier gas is then chilled to temperatureslower than about −40° C., and sometimes as low as about −195° C., tocause the aroma components to condense. The condensed aroma componentsare then collected. Suitable procedures for capturing coffee aroma areknown to one of skill in the art.

Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment,three streams of roasted whole coffee beans are treated to form a coffeeproduct with enhanced flavor and aroma components. In the first stream,roasted whole bean coffee beans are pulverized or ground to formpulverized or ground coffee. In some embodiments, the pulverized orground coffee has a particle size of less than about 350 microns indiameter. In some embodiments, the pulverized coffee component has amedian particle size of about 350 microns or less in diameter. Thepulverized or ground coffee is then extracted to separate the aromacompounds from the flavor compounds. In the second stream, roasted wholebean coffee beans are pulverized or ground and extracted to produce awet coffee extract. A portion of the separated aroma components from thefirst stream is added to the wet coffee extract of the second stream toform Blend A. In the third stream, roasted whole bean coffee beans arepulverized and a portion of the resulting pulverized coffee is added towet blend A to form blend B.

Blend B is then dried in a drying process (e.g., freeze-dried, or anyother drying process). Dried Blend B is then combined with at least oneof: pulverized coffee from the third stream, coffee extract,concentrated coffee, dried coffee, coffee oils, coffee aromas(distillates), flavor powders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverizedcocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants,nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, anomega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a betacarotene,resveratrol, a vegetable extract and an herbal extract to form Blend C,which, in this embodiment, is the bulk soluble coffee product. Incertain embodiments the dried Blend B is combined with pulverized coffeefrom the third stream to form Blend C. In some embodiments, the flavorcomponents of the extracted pulverized or ground coffee of the firststream are combined with blend A. In some embodiments, the flavorcomponents of the extracted pulverized or ground coffee of the firststream are combined with blend B. In some embodiments, the flavorcomponents of the extracted pulverized or ground coffee of the firststream are combined with blend C.

In some embodiments, the combination of the pulverized or ground roastedwhole bean coffee aroma separation components from the first stream withthe extracted pulverized or ground whole bean coffee of the secondstream at this wet stage of the process adds a unique aroma property,including a more authentic coffee aroma, to the soluble coffee.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative process for preparing some of theproducts of certain embodiments. In this example, roasted coffee beansare frozen at a temperature below about −5° C. and then fed through aconveying line that is also refrigerated. Then the product is pulverizedin the presence of liquid nitrogen and sent through a scalping screen toensure the passage of only small particle pulverization product. In someembodiments, liquid nitrogen is added directly to the product. In someembodiments, the liquid nitrogen is used to cool the grinding orpulverizing machinery. In some embodiments the liquid nitrogen is addeddirectly to the product and also used to cool the grinding orpulverizing machinery. In an illustrative embodiment, the ground productis then discharged into packaging, vacuum sealed, flushed with nitrogenand then stored in deep freeze storage. However, in some embodiments,the ground product is instead introduced into other process steps asthose discussed herein. In some embodiments, the packaged and storedproduct can be later used in other processes as well.

In some embodiments, the pulverized or ground coffee can be produced inconcert with refrigeration of the grinding machinery. Also, in someembodiments, ground or pulverized coffee product can be cooled as itleaves the grinding machinery. In some embodiments the grindingmachinery is refrigerated and also the pulverized or ground coffeeproduct is cooled as it exits the grinding machinery.

In accordance with some embodiments, coffee can be processed asdescribed above to maintain a pleasing flavor and aroma. In someembodiments, roasted whole bean coffee is processed under lowtemperatures, for example, less than about 15° C. and low relativehumidity, for example, less than about 30%. In some embodiments, theinternal temperature of the milling equipment is controlled to ensure atemperature of less than about 15° C. Roasted whole bean coffee beanscan be pre-frozen and surfaces that come into contact with the coffeebeans can be kept cooled with a cooling medium, such as, for example,liquid nitrogen, to avoid flavor loss and degradation.

Coffee exposure to oxygen can be minimized using conventional methods,for example, nitrogen purging, vacuum packaging, etc. Also, liquidnitrogen can be used as an oxygen scavenger during processing tominimize the degradative effects of oxygen. Coffee that is pulverizedunder such conditions retains much of its original flavor and aroma.Such pulverized coffee can be blended or encapsulated with coffee invarious forms, including ground coffee, extracts, concentrate coffee,dried coffee, coffee oils, aromas (distillates), carbohydrates, soyproducts, dairy products or other agents and subsequently added to drysoluble coffee.

In some embodiments, coffee and other products being subjected topulverization are deep frozen (colder than −5° C.) prior to grinding.This process allows for better pulverization of the product and yieldsmore homogenous particles while minimizing the oxidation and degradationof the pulverized product. Lines supplying the grinder can be equippedwith, for example, refrigerants or a liquid nitrogen feeding system inorder to maintain the low temperature and efficiency. Cooling andscavenging gases are ideal, since they can provide cooling and removalof oxidizing elements. To minimize condensation, the equipment can beinsulated to avoid surface and internal condensations in the conveyingequipment, pulverizing equipment and collection/storage equipment of themilled product.

Any type of grinding equipment can be used in the present embodiments,for example, a cage mill, a hammer mill, etc. to pulverize a productsuch as coffee. In some embodiments, the equipment is maintained at verylow temperatures (20° C. to −50° C.) via cooling media. This helpsmaintain the integrity of the material being pulverized. Liquid nitrogenor other refrigerants can be used to cool the equipment. Pulverizationgenerates heat, which combined with exposed oxygen, can often degradethe pulverized product. Feeding liquid nitrogen to the grinding cavityis one example of a way to keep the grinding machine at low temperaturesas well as displacing and scavenging oxygen.

In some embodiments the pulverized product falls into a refrigeratedcontainer at from about 0° C. to about 20° C. In some embodiments thepulverized product falls into a refrigerated container at less thanabout 20° C.: Some embodiments involve using liquid nitrogen cooling ofthe container including liquid or gas nitrogen inside the container forproduct preservation. During operation, the discharging cavity should becontinually flushed with gaseous nitrogen to minimize oxidation. In someembodiments, the operation takes place under controlled environmentalconditions to protect the resulting product from moisture uptake.

In some embodiments, in order to ensure quality, the final product ismoved to an oxygen free environment, vacuum packed, sealed and storedunder deep freeze conditions (about −20° C. or colder), until used orsold.

Some embodiments relate to blending pulverized components in with liquid(wet blending) and dry (dry blending) coffee ingredients and/or relatedproducts. The dry or wet blending operation is the process ofincorporating, adding, infusing, mixing, encapsulating, spraying orfluidizing, etc, the pulverized product into a coffee or appropriateproduct stream at required ratio to deliver design aroma, flavor, andappearance. Adequate processing (ribbon blender, PK blenders, fluidizingbeds, coaters or others) and mixing equipments can be used to ensurehomogeneity. In some embodiments the wet blending takes place atcontrolled temperatures, e.g., less than about 15° C. Rotation, cycletime and control of the process can differ, however, in someembodiments, these variables are controlled in such a way as to ensureuniform distribution, and prevent foaming and particle segregation.

In some embodiments, dry blending occurs in an enclosed blender and acontrolled environment to minimize oxidation and moisture exposure. Uponblending, the product can be readily stored in proper packaging, suchas, for example packed tightly to form a brick like package withnitrogen flushing and maintained under controlled conditions, such astemperatures less than about 10° C.

In some embodiments, the physicochemical and sensory attributes ofpulverized products can also be protected by means of encapsulation(spray-drying, coating, extrusion, coacervation and molecularinclusion). Some embodiments utilize microencapsulation. Withencapsulation, the encasing layer is attained, for example, viamolecular, interfacial, colloidal and bulk physicochemical properties ofemulsions. The encasement reduces the reactivity of the core with regardto outside environment, for example oxygen and water. This permits theextension of shelf life of a product in conventional packagingapplications. In some embodiments, encapsulation can be used forcontrolled release of the inner material or core. The encased pulverizedproduct can remain inactive until direct contact with water. Then thewater can dissolve the encasement and the pulverized product is able toreact with water, releasing aromas and flavors.

In some embodiments, the encapsulation of pulverized coffee can be usedto optimize product functionality, particle size and/or create a newproduct form. Encapsulation can be done with products including, coffeeextracts, coffee concentrates, dry pulverized coffee, coffee oils orother oils, aromas, functional ingredients, etc. In addition, pulverizedproducts can be encapsulated by carbohydrates, soy products, dairyproducts or other agents to protect against environmental elements

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A soluble coffee beverage prepared by a methodcomprising: pulverizing coffee beans to form a first pulverized coffeeproduct; grinding coffee beans to form a second ground coffee product;extracting the second ground coffee product to form an extracted coffeeproduct and spent coffee grounds; combining a first portion of the firstpulverized coffee product with the extracted coffee product to form afirst coffee blend; drying the first coffee blend to form a first driedcoffee blend; and combining a carbohydrate component, a second portionof the first pulverized coffee product and the first dried coffee blendto form the soluble coffee beverage.
 2. The soluble coffee beverage ofclaim 1, wherein the carbohydrate component comprises sugar.
 3. Thesoluble coffee beverage of claim 1, wherein the carbohydrate componentcomprises cane sugar.
 4. The soluble coffee beverage of claim 1, whereinat least a portion of at least one of the first pulverized coffeeproduct, the extracted coffee product, the first coffee blend and thefirst dried coffee blend is encapsulated with the carbohydratecomponent.
 5. The soluble coffee beverage of claim 4, wherein theencapsulation comprises at least one of spray-drying, coating,extrusion, coacervation and molecular inclusion.
 6. The soluble coffeebeverage of claim 1, wherein the extracted coffee product comprises fromabout 0.5% to about 80% of the soluble coffee beverage, wherein thefirst and second portions of the first pulverized coffee producttogether comprise from about 0.5% to about 30% of the soluble coffeebeverage, and wherein the carbohydrate component comprises from about0.001% to about 99% of the soluble coffee beverage.
 7. The solublecoffee beverage of claim 1, wherein the first pulverized coffee producthas a mean particle size of about 350 microns or less.
 8. The solublecoffee beverage of claim 1, wherein the first pulverized coffee producthas a median particle size of about 350 microns or less.
 9. The solublecoffee beverage of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a coffeeoil, a non-coffee oil, a non-coffee aroma, a coffee aroma, a coffeecomponent, nutritional supplements, flavoring components, herbalcomponents, coffee extracts, concentrated coffee, dried coffee,distillates, flavor powders, flavor oils, spices, ground or pulverizedcocoa beans, ground or pulverized vanilla beans, vitamins, antioxidants,nutraceuticals, dietary fiber, an omega-3 oil, an omega-6 oil, anomega-9 oil, a flavonoid, lycopene, selenium, a beta-carotene,resveratrol, a vegetable extract, a dry green coffee extract, a wetgreen coffee extract and an herbal extract.